Honduras Immigration Precheck: Understanding the Changes
For many years, the Honduran government required travelers to complete an online immigration precheck form (“prechequeo”) before entering or exiting the country.
However, this system has undergone significant changes recently.
What Was the Honduras Immigration Precheck?
Purpose:
The precheck system was designed to streamline the immigration process by collecting traveler information in advance.
This theoretically would reduce wait times at airports and border crossings.
Process:
Travelers would visit the official Honduras National Institute of Migration (INM) website (https://prechequeo.inm.gob.hn/) and fill out a form with personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
Upon submission, a confirmation code will be generated.
Entry vs. Exit:
The precheck was mandatory for entering this country, and you were required to print the form and present it to immigration officials.
The precheck was optional when leaving Honduras but could potentially speed up the exit process.
Why Was the Precheck Eliminated?
In December 2023, under the administration of President Xiomara Castro, the Honduran government announced that the precheck was no longer a mandatory requirement for either entering or leaving the country.
The primary reasons for this change were:
Streamlining the Process
Despite the intended purpose of making immigration more efficient, the precheck system often added extra steps and could confuse travelers.
Facilitating Tourism
Honduras wanted to remove barriers to entry and encourage more tourism.
Eliminating a potentially cumbersome online form was seen as a way to make visiting Honduras more appealing.
Current Honduras Entry and Exit Requirements
As of now, the entry and exit requirements for Honduras are more straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:
Entry Requirements
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the country.
- Tourist Card: For citizens of many countries, a tourist card is still required, and it can be purchased upon arrival for a fee. Check with your country’s Honduran embassy or consulate to confirm if you need a tourist card.
- Onward Travel: You may be asked to show proof of onward travel plans.
- COVID-19: Check for any current COVID-19-related travel restrictions or health documentation required by Honduras.
Exit Requirements
- Departure Tax: A departure tax may be payable when exiting the country. Check with your airline or travel agent for the amount and payment methods.
Important Notes
- Nicaraguan citizens: There may be special requirements for Nicaraguan citizens entering the country. Please consult a Honduran embassy or consulate for the latest information.
- Information Changes: Always verify the current requirements with the official website of the Honduras National Institute of Migration (INM) or a Honduran embassy/consulate in your country, as travel regulations are subject to change.
Easing the Travel Experience
Eliminating the mandatory Honduras Immigration Precheck reflects the country’s efforts to improve the travel experience.
While it’s important to know current entry and exit requirements, the process has become more straightforward for visitors to this beautiful Central American country.